Entries are now open for a farm sustainability award that rewards farmers for their essential role in food production while recognising their commitment to environmental stewardship.

The 2025 Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability acknowledges the numerous challenges farmers are facing, with a particular focus on resilience.

Farmers working towards increased sustainability are encouraged to enter for the chance to win exclusive advice and access to experts.

See also: Why one Essex arable farm faces difficult decisions in 2025

The award was launched in 2022 by BASF to celebrate 20 years of sustainability initiatives with the Hinchliffe family at Rawcliffe Bridge.

“We’re looking for farmers whose activities incorporate the three main pillars of sustainability – people, planet and profit.

“These can mean different things to different people, which is why we’d love to hear from anyone that’s embarking on a journey to increase the sustainability and resilience of their farm,” says BASF Sustainability Manager, Alice Johnston.

As well as receiving a commemorative plate, this year’s winners will have access to BASF’s global sustainability experts, become members of the BASF Sustainability Farming Network, and benefit from the support of the award’s partners, Andersons and The Country Trust.

“Winning the Rawcliffe Bridge Sustainability Award has changed my life,” says the inaugural winner, Colin Chappell who farms in Lincolnshire.

“It was the first award I entered and has given me confidence, opportunities to travel and learn. It also made me constantly re-evaluate the meaning of sustainability.”

Winners will also get an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 Oxford Farming Conference.

“I’ve always wanted to go but would never have done so,” says Mat Smith, who won the award alongside his brother, Lloyd, in 2023.

“It brings together different people from inside and outside the industry – individuals I wouldn’t have otherwise come across – and offers a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities.”

For Mat, winning the award has given him recognition, knowledge and connections.

“It’s expanded our view of the industry and our network,” he says.

To find out more about the award and to enter visit: www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/Sustainability/The-Rawcliffe-Bridge-Award-for-Sustainability/